DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. – Nearly 27 years after a Davidson County man disappeared, local, state and federal authorities have launched a three-day search in hopes of finding new evidence in the decades-old missing person investigation.
The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office began searching Monday, Oct. 26, for evidence related to the disappearance of William Mark Alley, who was reported missing Feb. 2, 2000. The search is scheduled to continue through Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Approximately 45 law enforcement personnel and four K-9 units are participating in the operation, which is being coordinated by detectives assigned to the sheriff’s office Cold Case Team.
Sheriff Simmons met with representatives from participating agencies Tuesday morning for a briefing before search operations continued.
The operation includes personnel from the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Davidson County Emergency Management and Davidson County Fire Marshal’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators identified an area that had not previously been thoroughly searched after conducting a review of the case file.
Authorities said the decision to search the area was not prompted by new tips. Instead, detectives are pursuing additional investigative avenues in hopes of uncovering evidence relevant to Alley’s disappearance.
Disappearance Dates Back to February 2000
Alley was 33 years old when he disappeared Feb. 2, 2000. At the time, he served as director of the Davidson County Museum of Art.
According to investigators, Alley was confronted by co-workers on the day of his disappearance regarding approximately $14,750 in missing funds.
Following the confrontation, Alley resigned from his position and reportedly left around 11 a.m.
His vehicle and personal belongings were later discovered at his residence on Becks Church Road in Lexington.
Alley’s wife reported him missing after he failed to pick up their child from a babysitter. When she returned home, she discovered he was missing.
Investigators also reported finding a note left by Alley inside the residence.
Despite years of investigation, Alley’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Investigators Continue Search for Answers
The sheriff’s office said the renewed search reflects its commitment to pursuing all available investigative leads and providing answers to Alley’s family.
Authorities emphasized that the operation is part of an ongoing investigation and that no new information prompted the search.
The sheriff’s office also confirmed there is no known threat to public safety associated with the search.
Officials expressed appreciation to the participating agencies for their assistance in the coordinated operation.
The search is expected to conclude Wednesday, Oct. 28, although the investigation into Alley’s disappearance will remain active.
Anyone with information regarding William Mark Alley’s disappearance is encouraged to contact Sgt. Kristy Varner with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office at 336-242-2105.
